Pride in the uniform

Armed Forces Day is a chance for us to show our great debt of gratitude

These are uncertain times for our Armed Forces. Budget cuts and an ill-judged Strategic Defence and Security Review have left many of our soldiers, sailors and airmen wondering what the future holds for them. Next week, further cuts will be announced, reducing the Army to its smallest size since the Napoleonic Wars. The RAF and Royal Navy have both seen savage reductions in manpower and equipment. It is a sobering thought that in this 30th anniversary year of the Falklands war, we are no longer capable of mustering a task force of the strength that recaptured the islands after the Argentine invasion in 1982. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, British troops continue to fight and die in a conflict that the politicians cannot end soon enough.

There are occasions, then, when our servicemen and women have good cause to feel that they are under-appreciated by the public at large. But we hope today is not one of them. This is Armed Forces Day, which was established just four years ago to provide an opportunity for the nation to recognise the dedication, hard work and loyalty of what are arguably the most professional fighting forces in the world. Unlike Remembrance Sunday, which marks the ultimate sacrifice of those who have died for their country, this day is intended to show the great debt of gratitude that we all owe to those prepared to risk their lives on our behalf.

Many of the events to be staged today are not national, but locally based, emphasising the close links that the Armed Forces have with their garrison towns, stations and dockyards. This is a day when they can wear their uniforms in public with pride and feel part of the community, not separated from it.